S’more than Meets the Eye

Take your backyard camping s’mores game to another level with these five ideas

Nothing quite says summer like a backyard get-together, whether it’s around a grill or a campfire. And one of the best ways to top off such an event is with a dessert made especially for the occasion: the venerable s’more.

You may be surprised to learn this tasty treat dates back almost a hundred years; the recipe first showed up in a Girl Scout guidebook in 1927 with the name “Some More.” When and how it got shortened to “s’more” isn’t quite clear, but a s’more by any other name is still delicious. And while there’s nothing wrong with sticking with the three tried and true ingredients, if you want to take things up a notch or two, give these ideas a try:

Replace the graham cracker

Okay, this one may be sacrilegious to diehard s’mores fans, but hear us out. Because of their flatness, graham crackers make the perfect “bread” for this sandwich, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other options. Thin chocolate chip cookies or brownies could work. Even one side of an Oreo would be thin enough. And if you really want to do something radical, try Ritz crackers. That delectable sweet and salty combination may make you forsake graham crackers permanently.

Add some ice cream

Talk about taking one perfect thing and making it even more perfect! Because this can get pretty messy quickly, the easiest way to do this is to use your oven. But even around the campfire, you can make an ice cream s’more of sorts. All you need to do is put your ice cream of choice in a bowl and top the ice cream with roasted marshmallows, crumbled graham crackers, and chocolate chips.

Use peanut butter and/or jelly

Almost any dessert tastes better with peanut butter, and you may be kicking yourself for not realizing that this can also include s’mores. Plus, making them this way is simple; just spread the peanut butter on both graham cracker squares before adding the chocolate and marshmallow. You can also add jelly for an ultra-sweet snack or both for a s’more PB&J.

Get creative with your chocolate

The last time you were at the checkout in the supermarket, how many different types of chocolate did you see there? Probably dozens. While regular chocolate bars – typically made by Hershey’s – are the standard for s’mores, who says you have to use them? Your favorite chocolate can go between the marshmallow and cracker. The varieties with nuts, caramel, nougat, or any other interesting ingredients may make your s’more especially tasty. And you don’t even need a solid piece of chocolate – a spread like Nutella can also be a great addition!

Use fruit

If you want to add something with a little more nutritional value into your s’mores, fruit is a good choice. Pretty much anything small or thin enough will work, including apples, bananas, or pineapple. Any type of berry could also be a sweet option.

Whether you’ll just be hanging out with your family or you have a big neighborhood shindig planned, everyone will be happy to make and eat a s’mores, especially if you decide to jazz them up.

Another way to ensure everyone is having a good time is by doing what you can to keep mosquitos away. A mosquito misting system from Platinum Mosquito Protection will help ensure your backyard parties aren’t crashed by these uninvited pests. For a free onsite consultation from a mosquito pro, contact us.